Featured Exhibit
Training in Boston
Muhammad Ali trained at Santo's Gym, located behind the Boston Garden arena where the fight would take place, with several of his usual training camp members, including his brother Rahaman, his cornerman Bundini Brown, and sparmate Cody Jones. There was almost always a crowd gathered to watch Ali spar and marvel in his musings. Ali told a young fan, "I'm the real promoter of this fight. I'm making boxing something new." Outside of training, Ali hired three cooks that prepared all of his meals to ensure they were healthy and adhered to Islamic standards.
Sonny Liston trained at the White Clifs Hotel under the watchful eye of trainers Willie Reddish and Al Lacy. The former champion was training with a vengence, as described by many onlookers attending his training sessions. Lacy often was taken aback by watching Liston train, stating, "He's got so much viciousness inside of him, he's just got to let it out."
Once again, Muhammad Ali was considered the underdog at 13 to 5 odds.
